Presentation of Letters of Credence by Ghana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia
His Excellency McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong, Ghana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), presented his Letters of Credence on Tuesday to His Excellency Taye Atske Selassie Amde, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
President Amde warmly welcomed Ambassador Akanbong and recalled his time in Accra nearly four decades ago, when he served with the International Atomic Energy Agency at the Ghana Atomic Agency. He expressed admiration for Ghana’s leadership on the African continent and in global affairs and lauded the depth of bilateral relations between the two nations. The President urged the Ambassador to work diligently to strengthen cooperation further and congratulated him on his appointment, wishing him a successful tour of duty.
In his remarks, Ambassador Akanbong commended Ethiopia’s commitment to democratic governance, as demonstrated in the recent federal elections of 1st June 2026, conducted in an atmosphere of transparency and tranquillity. He noted with concern the modest level of trade between Ghana and Ethiopia, currently valued at approximately $3 million annually, despite the immense growth potential. He called for the immediate activation of the General Cooperation Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations, both signed in 2015, yet to be implemented, to advance political, economic, and trade relations.
Ambassador Akanbong also drew attention to a draft Agreement on Cooperation in Education, submitted by Ghana to Ethiopia on 8 July 2023, noting that a response remains outstanding despite repeated reminders. He encouraged the Ethiopian side to expedite action on the draft for Ghana’s consideration.
The Ambassador further briefed the President on President John Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” which emphasises accountable governance, infrastructural development, and economic diversification to create jobs and prosperity. He underlined that 18 months into President Mahama’s tenure, his performance has earned widespread approbation from Ghanaians and the international community, signalling renewed optimism about Ghana’s trajectory.
Concluding, Ambassador Akanbong thanked President Amde for the opportunity to present his Letters of Credence and expressed hope that Ghana and Ethiopia would continue to work closely to advance continental integration and prosperity.
David Quaye
ISD, Ethiopia
